Our bedroom has changed a lot when we painted it and added decorations, but not everyone can make big changes to their rooms. I wanted to put together a quick reference tool for when you’re in a busy season of life and want a simple update. Or maybe your landlord isn’t keen on paint rollers! Here are six categories that I think can make the biggest difference in creating a bedroom with the “wow” factor – whether you’re a renter or not.
Canopy bed | Velvet bench (similar) | Carpet | Bedding | Shams | Faux Tree | Nightstands (similar)
Furniture
Now is a great time to start collecting the pieces you love. You want your bedroom to feel like a curated collection of your favorite pieces. If budget is an issue, then one way to save is to simply buy a headboard instead of the entire bed. Also, apartments often have lower ceilings, and a bed that is lower to the ground will make your room appear larger. So consider skipping the box spring instead of the slat. Or go with a platform bed. We lived in a house that had 8 foot ceilings for years, and as a really tall person, I always struggled with feeling so short. When we put the bed down, it felt like we were in a spa. Of course, my bed was lower, but it made the room feel bigger.
Shop for headboards and platform beds
Lamps
Lamps are one of my biggest bedroom must-haves. Please do not turn on the overhead lighting! Each room should have 2-3 light sources. In the bedroom, you’ll want a table lamp on your nightstands for that cozy relaxing effect. Then, if you have a small chair in the bedroom, you can also place a floor lamp next to it. This bounces light around the room and makes it feel really cozy.
Buy floor and table lamps
Area Rugs
I’m a big fan of rugs in every room — even over wall-to-wall carpeting! They just add so much dimension to the room. In fact, I found a specific rug pad designed for rugs over carpet that keeps them from shrinking. Since many rugs and rooms are relatively standard in size, you can easily take them with you if you ever move. This is also great in playrooms and children’s bedrooms, where a little extra cushioning helps cushion mini ninja warrior falls.
Shop Area Rugs
Bedding
You really don’t have to wait for your “forever home” to get beautiful bedding. There, I gave you permission! Beautiful bedding will make all the difference to how a room feels and functions night after night. It is also helpful to get a duvet that is too big for the size of your bed. If you have a double bed, choose a king-size comforter and duvet insert. If you have a double bed, some retailers make large double bed sheets, but they are harder to find. So I usually look at the measurements – there’s quite a range for king sheets, and I’ve found that higher-end linen sellers often have more generous sizes. We’ve had great luck with Boll & Branch: you get what you pay for in bedding. And if you’ve taken the top off to lower the bed, the oversized sheets will naturally sag lower, helping the overall look.
Shop Bedding
Bed frame | Canopy | Pillows | Nightstand | Bunny Lamp
Curtains
If you are able to install brackets and hang things on the wall, I would go for dramatic curtains. While there is a time and place for light and airy white linen curtains, I personally love the look of velvet curtains in bedrooms. They come in every color under the sun and add an extra layer of blackout for improved sleeping conditions. If you can’t paint your walls, there’s so much drama in richly colored curtains. They add a lovely hotel effect.
Shop for curtains and drapes
Big Art
It may seem counterintuitive, but small spaces benefit from larger pieces of art. Especially in apartments that can be more compact, we often think of them as small. It makes everything feel more of a mess. One tip for combating feelings of clutter is to think bigger. Go for one larger piece of art instead of a bunch of tiny pieces. Your space will actually feel bigger.
Shop Large Art
I hope this inspires you to make your bedroom a calming, beautiful space. No need to wait for the “perfect” house – your home is what you make of it now!